Method of preventing theft to vehicles using intensive marking

Abstract

A method for preventing theft of a vehicle using intensive marking comprises, establishing a service network ( 10 ) including a service center ( 12 ) having a databank ( 14 ) for data processing and storage, and a number of service stations ( 16 ) providing anti theft service to clients. At the service stations, an agent provides a particular intensive marking ( 42 ) alphanumerical code to the vehicle which identifies the region of origin of the vehicle owner and includes a sequential number corresponding to the particular vehicle identification number. The intensive marking alphanumerical code is permanently marked ( 62 ) on about 50 of the most saleable parts of the vehicle in order to reduce the black-market value thereof. The vehicle is also provided with visible logo ( 21 ) identifying the vehicle anti theft service rendered to this vehicle, thereby deterring theft.

1 . A method for preventing theft of vehicles using intensive marking comprising the steps of: 
 i) establishing a service network including a service center having a databank for data processing and storage, and at least one service station providing anti-theft marking service to clients;    ii) effecting permanent markings of an alphanumerical code at said service station, and verifying and collecting information on said markings, said markings being effected on a plurality of parts of a vehicle, said marking containing identification information of a client owning the vehicle and wherein said alphanumerical code used the IATA codes to identify a country of origin of said vehicle which allows cross-referencing with the vehicle identification number thereof, and at least one part of the vehicle having a visible logo identifying the anti-theft service;    iii) sending the collected information from the service station to the databank of the service center through a computer link;    iv) at the service center, processing and storing the received information;    v) linking the databank of the service network to the at least one service station, the insurance company, a police department and the national customs department, characterized in that there is further provided the steps of:    vi) issuing a temporary certificate corresponding with the vehicle, to the client and an insurance company;    vii) identifying used vehicles from new vehicles and imputing any physical damage of said used vehicle into said databank;    viii) storing for further reference said temporary certificate with said service network;    ix) processing collected information associated with said alphanumerical codes and transmitting same to said police department and customs department for verification and recordal; and    x) issuing an official certificate to said clients by said service network.    
   
   
       2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the intensive marking alphanumerical code identifies a region of origin of an owner of the vehicle.  
   
   
       3 . A method-as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the intensive marking alphanumerical code uses an international coding system for identifying the region of origin of the owner.  
   
   
       4 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the intensive marking alphanumerical code is engraved on surfaces of the parts of the vehicle.  
   
   
       5 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a step of installing the markings, including the intensive marking alphanumerical code and the visible logo, on the vehicle at the service station when the vehicle does not have the markings.  
   
   
       6 . A method as claimed in  claim 5  further comprising a step of communicating with the service center to ensure that the intensive marking alphanumerical code provided to the vehicle does not match any existing intensive marking alphanumerical code stored in the databank.  
   
   
       7 . A method as claimed in  claim 5  further comprising steps of installing the markings-on motor parts and installing the markings on external parts of the vehicle.  
   
   
       8 . A method as claimed in  claim 7  wherein not less than 50 parts of the vehicle are provided with the markings.  
   
   
       9 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  comprising sending a request for a temporary certificate from the service station to the service center when the vehicle already has the intensive marking alphanumerical code and the logo thereon.  
   
   
       10 . A method as claimed in  claim 9  further comprising steps of verifying the intensive marking alphanumerical code and logo on the individual motor parts and external parts of the vehicle upon the receipt of the temporary certificate from the service center.  
   
   
       11 . A method as claimed in  claim 10  further comprising adding the intensive marking alphanumerical code to a number of selected un-marked parts of the vehicle.  
   
   
       12 . A method as claimed in  claim 10  further comprising a step of adding the logo to a number of selected un-marked parts of the vehicle.  
   
   
       13 . A method as claimed in  claim 4  further comprising a step of obtaining signatures of the client and an agent of the service station on the certificate upon the completion of the verification and collection of the information and the inspection of the existing damages of the vehicle.